Stuttgart is the capital of the German state Baden Württemberg and is situated in the South West of Germany near Black Forest. It contains beautiful parks, spas, museums and amazing panoramic viewpoints. Being one of the big cities in the country and the capital of the state, it often is thought of as expensive, but you’d be surprised to see how friendly it can be for budget travelers.
In this post, we’ll uncover the best free attractions, cheap yet tasty eats, and hidden spots that many tourists miss. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly ways to explore Stuttgart.
Why Stuttgart Deserves Your Attention
Other German cities like Berlin or Munich are often the first preference of tourists and travellers. But this charming Swabian city has its own unique appeal as it’s surrounded by vineyards and forested hills. Stuttgart not only provides the viewpoints, but also offers a combination of modern innovation and rich cultural heritage. It’s the birthplace of the automobile (Mercedes-Benz and Porsche) and also has an ample amount of things to offer for history, nature, and food lovers.
Many foreigners like to settle here in Stuttgart due to good quality of living and affordable prices. It’s gotten expensive over the years but still is in affordable limits and is cheaper than expensive cities like Munich.
Free Things to Do in Stuttgart
1. Stuttgart Library: A Modern Architectural Marvel
Normally the mood gets “boring” when people hear “library”. But this is not your everyday library. The architecture is just amazing and the beauty is mesmerizing. The organized books with the white floor and furniture, makes you feel like you’re in a palace.
-
Why Visit? It’s a peaceful escape and the atrium at the center looks like a scene from a futuristic movie.If the rooftop is open, you should visit the top for free and enjoy the 360 degree view of Stuttgart.
-
To-Do: Wander through the light-filled halls with mesmerizing architecture, take pictures for memories and social media.
-
Cost: Free entry.
2. Birkenkopf: A Hill Built from Rubble
Resting on the southwestern edge of Stuttgart lies Birkenkopf, also known as “Monte Scherbelino” (Mount Shards). With 511 meters of elevation, this hill is one of the highest points in Stuttgart. This hiking spot is of very significance as it reflects the sad reminder of the city’s history. Built from the rubble of buildings destroyed during World War II, Birkenkopf offers panoramic views of Stuttgart that are both breathtaking and amazing.
-
Why Visit? It provides an escape from the bustling city life as it’s quiet and peaceful. The remnants of rubble add an eerie, historical touch, reminding visitors of Stuttgart’s resilience.
-
To-Do: Visit at sunset for the most stunning views when the golden light falls over the city. Bring a packed lunch or coffee for a peaceful picnic overlooking the city.
-
Cost: Completely free.
Say goodbye to the hassle of exchanging currency on your travels! With Wise, you get real exchange rates (just like Google) for a small fee—no more overpaying or guessing how much to convert. Sign up here* and make your trip stress-free and budget-friendly!
3. The Chinese Garden: A Hidden Oasis
Hidden between the residential building, this small yet charming Chinese Garden is a lesser-known gem in Stuttgart. Surrounded by lush greenery, ponds, and complex Chinese architecture, the garden is a tranquil retreat from busy city life.
-
Why Visit? The garden emits calmness and serenity, making it an ideal spot to recharge during your trip. Plus, it offers stunning views of Stuttgart from above.
-
To-Do: Take a slow stroll around the paths, watch the city and the main train station from a bird’s eye view or snap some Instagram-worthy photos.
-
Cost: Free entry.
4. Stuttgart’s Secret Stairs (Stäffele)
Did you know Stuttgart has over 400 staircases across the city’s hilly terrain? These “Stäffele” originally built to connect vineyards to cultivate the wine as previously it was outside of the city. As the population grew, these staircases started being surrounded by the residential buildings. Today, they serve as hidden passageways to some of the city’s best-kept secrets. You can find locations for all of them here.
-
Why Visit? Walking the Stäffele is a great exercise and can be challenging 😀 but many of these staircases lead to unexpected vantage points, quiet corners of the city where you can enjoy the view of the surrounding neighborhood.
-
To-Do: Pick the one which is on the edge of the city to get the most view of the city
-
Cost: Free.
If you want to have a look at more affordable travel destinations in Europe, check out Explore Europe without breaking the bank.
Cheap Eats in Stuttgart
Budget travel isn’t complete without delicious yet affordable food. Luckily, Stuttgart has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings without breaking your wallet.
1. Markthalle Stuttgart
This bustling market hall is a food lover’s paradise. Here you can find stalls from locals which serve fresh and international cuisine as well. Its convenient location plays an important role as it’s in the city center parallel to the main shopping street.
-
Budget Tip: Try some freshly baked pretzels for under €5.
2. Döner
A trip to Stuttgart isn’t complete without tasting some of the best Döner Kebabs in town. My personal recommendation would be Beykebap or BAM BAM Keb’UP. Both of them offer tasty large portions for affordable prices.
-
Cost: €5–€7 for a filling meal.
3. Palast der Republik
Located in the heart of the city, this beautiful eatery serves up delicious and affordable Swabian dishes like Maultaschen (German dumplings) and Spätzle (German pasta). In summer, it’s pretty crowded due to the pleasant weather and nice ambiance.
-
Cost: €10–€12 for a hearty plate of local food.
Budget Tips for Visiting Stuttgart
1. Use Public Transport
Stuttgart has an excellent public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains. A day pass costs around €7 and allows unlimited travel within the city zone 1.
2. Visit Museums on Free Days
Many museums in Stuttgart, like the State Museum of Stuttgart, offer free entry on certain days. Check their schedules in advance. The Mercedes-Benz Museum is also free on some specific Sundays. Nearly all museums offer discounted prices for students. So don’t forget your Student Card.
3. Explore Parks and Vineyards
Stuttgart is surrounded by picturesque vineyards and sprawling parks like the Schlossgarten. These spots are perfect for free outings, picnics, or walks.
Why Stuttgart Will Steal Your Heart
Traveling to Stuttgart on a budget doesn’t mean that you’ve to miss out on what the city has to offer. From the story of Birkenkopf to the calmness of the Chinese Garden, Stuttgart has something to offer for everyone.
You can imagine yourself walking up a hidden staircase, watching the skyline from the top, relaxing at the Schlossplatz or imagining tasting the perfect Swabian dish at a cozy eatery. These experiences don’t just save money; but create memories for you to share.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab a pair of comfortable shoes and let Stuttgart surprise you with its charm, history, and budget-friendly adventures. Trust me—you’ll leave with memories that are priceless.
Happy travels! 🌍✨
* It’s an affiliate link and I’ll get a referral bonus with no additional cost to you.
Don’t Miss a Beat!
Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter to explore a new place to travel on a budget. Or provide your suggestion and we’ll do the research for your travel